Guyana and Venezuela Hold Peaceful Meetings in Venezuela

On Thursday, in Argyle, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro met to discuss the Essequibo, a territory in dispute between the two countries.  The discussions were facilitated by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, the pre-tempore president of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, CELAC.  Coming out of the discussions, it was agreed that Guyana and Venezuela, directly or indirectly, will not threaten or use force against one another in circumstances, including those consequential to any existing controversies between the two states.  It was also agreed that any controversies between the two states will be resolved in accordance with international law, including the Geneva Agreement dated February seventeenth, 1966.  Guyana’s assertion that it is committed to the process and procedures of the International Court of Justice for the resolution of the border controversy was also noted.  Likewise, Venezuela’s lack of consent and lack of recognition of the I.C.J. was also noted.

Eamon Courtenay

Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“First of all, President Ali had asked Prime Minister [Briceño] to come and the foreign minister had asked me to go.  The problem we had was that it would take us just over two days to get to St. Vincent and then we would not be able to get back in time to receive president-elect Arevalo.  So, unfortunately we couldn’t be there in solidarity with Guyana.  We’re very happy with the fact that President Maduro and President Ali sat down.  We are very happy with the outcome where both parties, primarily Venezuela pledged not to use force to resolve any dispute.  They committed to the ICJ process, at least Guyana did and they acknowledged that their dispute should be solved in a peaceful way and we see this as a beginning to reducing the verbal war of words that was taking place.  So we think it is very positive and we would want to commend Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves who, as chair of CELAC, was the lead in this and, as I said, it’s very positive.  I hope that the parties, as we expect, act in good faith on their commitments.  there is a promise to meet within six months and I think that is also very positive.  So that was a very good day for CARICOM and for CELAC.”